Quick Answer: The International Lion and Dragon Dance Festival is underway in Quy Nhon (Gia Lai province) from August 7–10, 2026. The event features 34 teams from Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, China, and South Korea, with free street performances, cultural shows, and a culinary fair. The festival is part of the National Tourism Year — Gia Lai 2026.
What’s Happening
The International Lion and Dragon Dance Festival officially opened on the evening of August 7 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Quy Nhon, Gia Lai province. The festival runs through August 10.
Key highlights include:
- 34 participating teams — 30 domestic teams and 4 international delegations from Malaysia, Thailand, China, and South Korea
- 400+ performers participating in parades and street performances
- Street festival themed “Colors of the Great Forest, Rhythms of the Blue Sea”
- Cultural and culinary space featuring specialties from all three regions of Vietnam
- Traditional art forms — Hát bội, Bài chòi, Bình Định martial arts, and Cham dance
Why This Matters for Travelers
If you’re in Central Vietnam right now:
- Free entry — street performances and cultural spaces are open to the public
- Unique cultural experience — watch international lion and dragon dance teams compete
- Culinary discovery — try regional specialties from across Vietnam
- Festival atmosphere — street parades, fireworks, and performances
If you’re planning a future trip:
- This festival is part of the National Tourism Year — Gia Lai 2026
- Quy Nhon is an emerging destination with growing tourism infrastructure
What You Should Do
If you’re in Quy Nhon on August 10 (last day):
- Head to Nguyen Tat Thanh Square — the main venue
- Watch the final competitions — awards will be presented on the afternoon of August 10
- Visit the cultural and culinary space to try regional specialties
- Enjoy the street performances — 400+ performers
If you’re planning a future trip:
- Check for similar events in 2027 as part of the National Tourism Year
- Quy Nhon is a coastal city with beautiful beaches worth exploring
Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | International Lion and Dragon Dance Festival |
| Location | Nguyen Tat Thanh Square, Quy Nhon, Gia Lai province |
| Dates | August 7–10, 2026 |
| Participating teams | 34 (30 domestic, 4 international) |
| International delegations | Malaysia, Thailand, China, South Korea |
| Performers | 400+ |
| Part of | National Tourism Year — Gia Lai 2026 |
| Entry | Free |
Related Vietnam With Me Guides
Sources
- Vietnam.vn — Quy Nhon – Gia Lai International Lion and Dragon Dance Festival opens (August 7, 2026)
- Vietnam.vn — International Dragon and Lion Dance Competition in Quy Nhon (August 8, 2026)
- SGGP English Edition — Quy Nhon-Gia Lai festival opens with lion and dragon performances (August 7, 2026)